12 Mint Juleps to try during Mint Julep Month

Derby season is here, and Louisville is raising the bar on its signature cocktail for Mint Julep Month. From a classic julep at the home of the Hot Brown to an inventive twist at a trendy wine bar, here are 12 Mint Juleps to try in Bourbon City right now.

Be sure to check in on the Mint Julep Trail to earn points for sipping these juleps around town.

Bramble Julep, The Coupe

This blackberry-infused mint julep features Chicken Cock Whiskey’s new wheated expression. Try it below Chicken Cock’s NuLu tasting room in The Coupe speakeasy — if you can find it behind the hidden door in the tasting room.

Southern Spring Tea Julep, Vernon Lanes

Bowl at the fourth-oldest bowling in the nation, with eight vintage wooden lanes, and enjoy a Southern Spring Tea Julep while you’re at it. This strawberry-infused iced tea is made with Old Forester Bourbon, fresh mint, and lemon juice.

Peach Mint Julep, Copper & Kings Rooftop Bar

With sweeping views of downtown Louisville, this brandy distillery’s rooftop bar is a great place to sip their peach brandy Mint Julep and watch the sunset.

Argentine’s Cynar Julep, Bar Nada Nada

This European-style natural wine bar in NuLu is mixing things up this month with its amaro-inspired julep. Argentine’s Cynar Julep is made with Bourbon, Cynar, grapefruit, lemon, simple syrup, and mint. We suggest soaking up all the vibes on the patio.

Silks & Saddles Julep, Angel’s Envy Distillery

This floral and lightly herbal julep is made with Angel's Envy Bourbon finished in port wine barrels, St-Germain, rose cordial, and fresh mint. It’s served in Angel's Envy gold julep cup, which you get to take home when you’re finished sipping.

Raspberry Almond Mint Julep, Stitzel-Weller Distillery

Visit the historic 1935 campus in southwest Louisville known as the “Cathedral of Bourbon” and try this julep special made with Blade and Bow whiskey, raspberry mint syrup, and Free Brothers Toasted Almond Bitters at the Garden & Gun Club, a Southern-inspired cocktail lounge.

And We’re Off to the Races, Trial + Error

Sip this crystal-clear cocktail, clarified using citrus and milk products to remove impurities, in the basement cocktail lounge of Pursuit Spirits, a Bourbon blending experience on Whiskey Row. The drink features Pursuit United Bourbon 108, mint, simple syrup, and is topped with strawberry foam.

The Bluegrass Blizzard, Bardstown Bourbon Company Tasting Room

Served in an official 152nd Kentucky Derby Mint Julep glass, which features striding horses surrounded by roses, The Bluegrass Blizzard blends cool mint chocolate chip with warm Bourbon notes. It’s made with Estate Distilled Kentucky Straight Bourbon, three scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream, and chocolate peppermint liqueur.

The Southern Belle, Green River Tasting Room

Also served in the official 152nd Kentucky Derby Mint Julep glass, this Mint Julep is peachy keen. It features Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon and peach puree, creating a lush, summery cocktail.

Classic Mint Julep, Lobby Bar & Grille at The Brown Hotel

Home of the Hot Brown, Louisville’s culinary icon, Lobby Bar & Grille is serving up a classic version of the Mint Julep: Bourbon, simple syrup, crushed ice, and mint.

Julep of the Week, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. Tasting & Listening Room

Located off Nanny Goat Strut in NuLu, this tasting room is mixing up a different julep every week of the month. Stop in to see what Mint Julep spinoff it’s serving up through the end of April.

Mint Julep Madness, On3 Bar

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience’s cocktail bar will be offering a Mint Julep experience all month where you can try special syrups, pours, and Mint Julep combinations.